Remembrance...and Ripples

To those who served and died for our country, I send gratitude for their duty on this Memorial Day.  My father served during WW II and my husband's father served in Korea and two tours in Vietnam.  They've physically left us, but never will our family forget.

A couple weeks ago I began a new project - my first ripple blanket.  It has been on my wish list forever and I got a mean bug to just do it!

My selected colors from Lion Brand in my favorite basket.

 

Had to get that requisite photo of the stash before starting!

After looking at a few ripple patterns, I went with Lucy's because in the end I just liked it and it's easy.  I'm about 20 rows in and completely love the feel of it.  This one's going to be all mine :-)

We face a busy week of ceremonious activities for end-of-the-school-year, yippee!  Oh, and I started a knitting/crochet club, double-yippee!

Until next time, have a good first week of June.  The countdown to Summer begins :-)

Sunday Thought

Not much I feel like really saying today.  I wish you hope and peace wherever you are :-)

A Shout Out To Terrie :-)

Hello everyone.  Hope this finds you well wherever you are in the world. 

Today I'd like to acknowledge the thoughtfulness of Terrie ~.~ smiling, who was sweet to bestow this award upon me a couple weeks ago.  My huge apologies, Terrie, for taking so long to post.  I've fallen behind on things, but nonetheless very appreciative for your kindness!  Please visit this lovely lady's blog to see all of her crafty talent and life in Hong Kong.

With this award, the following applies:

Post link back to the person that gave you the award.
Share 7 random things about yourself.
Award 15 recently discovered bloggers
Drop them a note, and tell them about it!

Random things about me:

• My favorite sound is children laughing.
• I miss when my boys were little and it was all about 'butterfly kisses' and 'pinky promises'.
• If I could live in a different time and place, it would be Victorian England.
• My childhood was not a rosy one, but one fond memory is how I spent summertime...my sister and I would escape outdoors to collect ladybugs in our jars and chase butterflies.  Every summer day...dawn till dusk.
• In my 20s, I was a Sunday School teacher for 8 years. 
• I rarely curse, but when I do it's because you're a bad driver and you've cut me off.  My go-to words start with F and S.
• Guilty pleasure...McDonalds french fries.

I've been enjoying my current blogroll and haven't had much time to surf for new ones.  There is one however, that I found recently.  And so I pass the Stylish Blogger Award to...

MeMe Rose

Pay her a visit and see what lovely crochet work she's done.  There's a neat lampshade cover you'll love!

Hugs all around :-)

How Do I Love Thee?

Flowers...it's a given...you always hold a special place in my heart.

A single stem or the fullest bouquet...a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Yarn and hearts...some of my favorite LOVE things.

 

Playing and creating with yarn brings me contentment and serenity...

A heart garland to celebrate my yarn obsession...
 

Each day I long to steal a loving glance, a touch, a feel...



Oh the wonderful power you hold over me!

Hope your day is filled with people and things you love :-)

Life Between Stitches

Son #1 came up with that post title and I'm running with it!  Time for me to stop and think about our day-to-day activities and appreciate - really appreciate - the moments that make up each day.  Oprah said recently in an interview that she has never had a day of "therapy," but after all these years of talking with people on her show, the one thing she learned was to be "present in the moment."  One of the keys to peace, contentment and happiness.  We've all heard this and it's probably cliche at this point, but in my busy life I need reminding once in a while!

One of those moments was treating myself the other morning before work to a latte and blueberry scone.  The barista at my favorite local coffee house makes the best hearts with the foam.  I fondly refer to her as 'tattoo lady' because her arms and shoulders are covered in them.  I set aside 30 min. to soak in the sunny morning, crochet a little, and enjoy my cuppa.  Then it was off to work with an energized mindset that set the tone for the rest of my day.  It was a good day!

Then there are the not-so-good days...like today...stayed home sick with a flu bug.  I guess I have to be thankful for these times as well because as I'm lying in bed feeling icky, I know it will pass and will appreciate my health that much more.  And it helps to have a gaze at my flowers which always cheer me up.

Now off for a nap before I drag myself out of bed for school pick-up and collecting my dogs from the groomer.  Oh and since Son #1 is at his volunteer job with Dad's car, I just remembered I need to collect Dad from work as well.  No rest for the weary... it's amazing how we find the strength to keep going!

Have a lovely weekend all :-)

So Thoughtful

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
~ Edith Wharton ~

I'm delighted to receive this award from the very sweet and kind Lovestitch.  She is so talented as I'm sure many of you know... she's always out there spreading enthusiasm and offering kind words of support throughout Blogland.  Thank you, LS.

We blog for many different personal reasons and for me, recognition is not one of them!  But in keeping with the spirit of this award, I guess I must list 7 things about me (uggghh).

1.  I was born and raised in southern California and my heritage is Filipino.

2.  I don't watch much television, but when I do it's to catch Modern Family.

3.  I love the game of baseball.

4.  My pet peeve is when people talk on their mobile phones while driving.

5.  My favorite actress is Bette Davis.

6.  I sang Karaoke for the first time ever at my company's recent Xmas party.  With my dear hubby, Sonny & Cher's "I've Got You Babe."  And I didn't even have any alcohol.

7.  I'm uncomfortable being the center of attention!

I'd like to pass this along to so many - some of whom I see have already recently received this - but today it will be...

Heidi at Sewing Daisies

She's amazing with a sewing machine and crochet hook.

Keep spreading that wonderful creative light you all have :-)

Farewell 2010, Hello New Year

Another Auld Lang Syne.  For me, 2010 was a wonderful year.  There were sad times, frustrating times, but many, many, many happy and illuminating personal moments. 

Joy all around...
We adopted two furbabies from a local rescue group - Sonny and Cher - who along with our first pup, Squirt, bring our family so much love and joy (okay and triple the work, too!).  My human family members are all thriving and healthy.  How thankful I am.

Creative Inspiration...
I started blogging not too long ago as a way to embark on my own personal journey of finding creative expression.  This year I re-discovered how much I love crochet thanks to so many of you wonderful bloggers.  I didn't realize how delightful it would be to 'meet' such a supportive and kind community throughout the world.  It is truly motivating to make these connections.

So goodbye Old Year and a big, wholehearted welcome to 2011!

Happy New Year and I wish you many days of health, happiness and creative inspiration :-)

Gratitude

I'm thankful for...

• Hubby dearest :: my rock and BFF
• Dearest Son #1 :: The source of much light and laughter in our home
• Dearest Son #2 :: Our angel...quiet and reserved, always in a state of calm when things are crazy
• Sonny, Cher & Squirt :: Who see only the good in us and love unconditionally
• My family and friends
• My new blog community whose ideas and projects provide me with creative inspiration daily
• My faith

My cup runneth over...

Enjoy your bounty and blessings.  Happy Thanksgiving :-)

Beginnings

Hello and I'm delighted you stopped by.  This is new to me - this whole idea of blogging and putting myself out there!  It's the start of something new.  Definitely.  Especially if you knew me...I am not at all blog or tech savvy.  Reading blogs, much less creating my own, was somewhat alien to me up until a few weeks ago when I started googling granny square patterns.  I stumbled upon blog after lovely blog of crafters and was "hooked!"

A little about myself...I'm a working Mom with two great teenage sons who seem almost grown up!  It is truly wonderful - a joy - to catch glimpses of the men they are becoming.  I'm awed by it every day.  And while I'm completely enjoying this time in our lives, it's clear they need me less and less these days.  It's okay though (at least for today!), I know they're preparing their wings to fly! 

I figure now is a good time for me to start reclaiming those things I once loved to do.  So here I am, hoping this humble little blog will help me re-discover my life's passions and set out to discover new ones.

I look forward to this journey with you all.